Buyer's Guide to 2008 Specialized Dolce Line Road Bikes

Dolce is the Italian word for sweet, and the 2008 Specialized Dolce road bikes are the sweetest bikes available. These bikes are made specifically for women by women, and are designed to provide women with the best in comfort, speed, and easy handling. Woman riders have different preferences and needs when selecting a bike due to differences in physiology and concerns about safety and comfort. Every component on the Dolce line of road bikes is designed or hand-picked to perfectly fit a female rider's body.

The 2008 Dolce bikes feature an aluminum frame and carbon fork for easy handling and climbing. The Dolce road bikes are engineered to accommodate the female body's shorter torso, longer legs, and smaller hands and feet, and the small-diameter, thin-wall tubesets ensure a compliant ride. These bikes come with either Body Geometry Lithia or Sonoma saddles, both of which eliminate soft tissue pressure and increase comfort to sensitive areas. The shorter top tube and taller head tube increase overall comfort and control of the bike. Features of the three bikes in the 2008 Specialized Dolce line of road bikes vary slightly from each other and are discussed below.

2008 Specialized Dolce D4W Road Racing Bike

Designed with the female body in mind, this Specialized Dolce bike allows for a lightweight and easy ride. The lightweight frame ensures maximum speed and climbing ability, especially in hilly areas. This 2008 Dolce road bike is a great match for recreational or dedicated riders, and includes the following features:

- Specialized A1 premium aluminum frame, fully manipulated tubing, and a Designs for Women compact design

- Specialized carbon fork, carbon fiber legs, and aluminum steerer

- Specialized Comp-Set, 3D forged alloy stem and specialized Zertz Women's Comp bar

- Shimano 9-speed drivetrain with Tiagra rear derailleur

- Specialized all-condition tires

- Body Geometry Dolce Women's saddle

2008 Specialized Dolce Comp D4W Road Racing Bike

The Specialized Dolce Comp is the perfect match for any female rider, from the casual amateur to the fitness pro. This bike is stable and secure, and comes equipped with a number of components specifically designed for women. The 2008 Specialized Dolce Comp provides the following features:

- Specialized E5 frame, fully manipulated Columbus E5 SLX tubing, Designs for Women compact design, and FACT carbon seatstays with Zertz inserts

- Specialized FACT carbon steerer and fork legs with Zertz inserts

- Shimano 105, 10-speed STI shifters and rear derailleur, and a long cage

- Shimano RS-10 wheelset

- Specialized Lithia Women's saddle

2008 Specialized Dolce Elite D4W Road Racing Bike

The Specialized Dolce Elite is the ultimate in both fit and handling, and is custom designed for the safety and comfort of the female rider. This bike makes cycling effortless and thoroughly enjoyable. Features of the 2008 Specialized Dolce Elite include the following:

- Specialized E5 frame, fully manipulated Columbus E5 SLX tubing, Designs for Women compact design, and FACT carbon seatstays with Zertz inserts

- Specialized FACT carbon fork legs and steerer, and an alloy crown with Zertz inserts

- Shimano Tiagra, 9-speed STI shifters and 105 rear derailleur

- Wide-range gearing with front triple chainrings and 11-28t 9-speed cassette

- Body Geometry Lithia Women's saddle

For the quality and pleasure that the 2008 Specialized Dolce line provides, these bikes are affordable and a very good investment. The Specialized Dolce bikes are well suited for both flat and hilly terrain, and are comfortable for long rides as well as short rides. Women riders will benefit from a bike custom designed to support and protect the female body, while also allowing for speed and easy handling.